Aaron Nola's Comeback: Phillies Manager Updates on Bullpen Session

Aaron Nola is gearing up for a return to the mound. Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Nola will throw a bullpen session this Saturday, aiming for two innings or 35 pitches. Should everything proceed smoothly, another session is scheduled for Tuesday.

Since being placed on the injured list on May 16, Nola has not faced any hitters. His recovery has been complicated by a right ankle sprain followed by a stress fracture in his right rib cage, which has extended his timeline for a comeback. The Phillies anticipate that Nola may not be back until mid-August at the earliest, as he has spent the last week and a half at the team's spring training complex in Florida focusing on rehabilitation.

"I think it's a little easier sometimes to go to the complex because there's more people there and there's more room," Thomson noted regarding Nola's progress in Clearwater. "You're not on any type of time restraint. I think it just gives you the freedom to do more things and there's an abundance of hitters who you can throw to," he added, emphasizing the benefits of the training environment.

In Nola's absence, Mick Abel filled in with six starts before being sent back to the minors just prior to the All-Star Break. Abel was called up on June 1 after Taijuan Walker temporarily took over the fifth starter role. Following his demotion on July 4, Walker reclaimed the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Walker is set to pitch in Saturday's second game after the break, and Thomson hinted that this might not be a one-time opportunity for him. "He's got the run here," he stated, indicating confidence in Walker's performance.

The Phillies have maintained a consistent timeline for top prospect Andrew Painter since last October, but his much-anticipated debut may face delays. Painter last pitched on Sunday and is not scheduled to take the mound again until next Thursday, resulting in an 11-day gap between starts, strategically planned around the All-Star Break.

"The stuff's good. The command isn't quite where it normally is for him," Thomson remarked. "You know, we'll just go start by start," he added, highlighting the cautious approach being taken with Painter's development.

Painter's promotion to the major leagues hinges on specific criteria. The Phillies have been clear that merit alone will not dictate his call-up; he must earn his place in the rotation. Over 16 starts between Low-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Painter has logged 67 innings, striking out 71 while walking 21, resulting in a 4.84 ERA.

In Lehigh Valley, Painter has made 12 starts covering 55.2 innings, with 59 strikeouts and 20 walks. He has surrendered 11 home runs, with opposing batters hitting .273 against him, leading to a 4.97 ERA.

"I've always said the whole time. He's gotta be healthy, and the thing is there's gotta be a spot there. So you know, I think he's gonna get to the point where he's Andrew Painter. I don't think he's quite there yet," Thomson explained, underscoring the importance of readiness before making a move.

The Phillies are eager to see Painter make his major league debut but are committed to ensuring he is fully prepared before rushing him into action. Once his command improves, the timeline for his ascent should accelerate significantly.